Tristan Strong Destroys the World

Starred review from August 15, 2020
Tristan Strong is back in this sequel to Tristan Strong Punches a Hole in the Sky (2019). A month's passed since rising eighth grader Tristan's first adventure in Alke, the world where African American folktale heroes are gods who live alongside African deities. Tristan's now an Anansesem, "a carrier and spreader of stories," and after the Shamble Man, a new foe, kidnaps his grandmother and takes her back to Alke, he follows, determined to rescue her. Tristan heads off on an adventure that will challenge his reluctant hero-ness (realistically, this aspect of his character hasn't changed) and force him to reckon with the truth: Though he saved Alke, he was also the reason Alke was in danger in the first place. Fans of the first book will cheer the return of old friends, like capable, reliable Ayanna; the ever quippy Gum Baby (who steals the show, as per usual); and cellphone-bound trickster Anansi, and appreciate the new characters. The ending is nothing short of earth-shattering, promising a fascinating next entry. Well-paced--just like the previous installment--this sequel focuses on themes such as the meaning of diaspora and the effects of trauma, making for a more nuanced and stronger story than the first. The human characters are Black with varying shades of brown skin. Packs a punch. (map) (Fantasy. 10-14)

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September 1, 2020
Grades 5-8 A few weeks following the events of Tristan Strong Punches a Hole in the Sky (2019), Tristan's summer on his grandparents' Alabama farm is once again interrupted by the stirrings of an otherworldly evil. This time, an armored hulk called the Shamble Man arrives with a vengeance, kidnapping Tristan's grandma, whose own magical connections are revealed. Thus begins another whirlwind adventure through Alke, home to the myths and folktales of the African diaspora, as Tristan allies with powerful friends old and new, unravels the mystery of the Shamble Man, and fights to save Nana?and both his worlds. Mbalia's universe continues to excite through sheer conceptual brilliance, nonstop action and adventure, and?let's be honest?the comical aggression of sidekick god Gum Baby. This time around, the story largely reacts to book one, with the idea of trauma being central to both Tristan's inner journey and the greater plot. An apocalyptic conclusion serves as the dark nadir in the second act of a planned trilogy, setting up an epic conclusion that fans will be eager for.HIGH-DEMAND BACKSTORY: Mbalia's debut, Tristan Strong Punches a Hole in the Sky, was an instant hit, garnering a Coretta Scott King Honor and New York Times best-selling status, and this series is only picking up steam.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2020, American Library Association.)

Starred review from November 2, 2020
In this spectacular follow-up to Tristan Strong Punches a Hole in the Sky, Mbalia offers a hard-hitting exploration of personal and cultural trauma twined with a well-paced adventure. A month after his return from Alke, Tristan Strong is still learning to embrace his new role as an Anansesem, a storyteller in possession of a Story Box—specifically, a smartphone—that contains the trickster god Anansi. When the malevolent Shamble Man attacks the Strong farm and kidnaps his grandmother, Tristan returns to Alke, which is still rebuilding following the adventures of his last visit—and under attack by the corrupting influence of the Shamble Man, who accurately blames Tristan for the devastation. To save his grandmother and Alke’s inhabitants, Tristan must face his greatest failures head-on. Mbalia again skillfully weaves mythological and folktale threads, along the way expanding his world’s reach, deconstructing Tristan’s role as hero, and examining the communal role of storytelling. Alternately humorous and heartbreaking, this installment sees Tristan entering a dramatic new chapter of his saga that will leave readers eager for more. Ages 8–12. Agent: Victoria Marini, Irene Goodman Literary.